CNB Financial (CCNE) is a Top Dividend Stock Right Now: Should You Buy?

Company Overview - CNB Financial (CCNE) is a bank holding company headquartered in Clearfield, with a year-to-date price change of -3.46% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.18 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3%, which is higher than the Banks - Northeast industry's yield of 2.78% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.53% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of CNB Financial is $0.72, reflecting a 1.4% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, CNB Financial has increased its dividend two times year-over-year, with an average annual increase of 1.17% [4] - The company's current payout ratio is 30%, indicating that it pays out 30% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - CNB Financial is expected to see earnings growth in the current fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $2.64 per share, representing a 10.46% increase from the previous year [5] Investment Appeal - Dividends are favored by investors for various reasons, including tax advantages and reduced overall portfolio risk, which can enhance stock investing profits [6] - High-growth firms typically do not provide dividends, while established companies with secure profits are viewed as better dividend options [7] - CNB Financial is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7]